Abstract: A method for determining status of a drying cycle comprises receiving, at a first time, a first signal from a bladder pressure sensor configured to be responsive to changes in a weight of a container of the dryer, the container retaining materials to be dried. At a second time, the controller receives a second signal from the bladder pressure sensor. A change in the bladder pressure signals is calculated based on difference between the second signal and the first signal, and the change in the bladder pressure signals is interpreted as a change in the weight of the container. Based on the change in the weight of the container and the length of time, a rate of change in the weight of the container is calculated.

Abstract: A protective overshoe has a collapsible upper portion attached to a stretchable lower portion with a collapsible sole. The collapsible sole may be coated directly on the lower portion of a fabric overshoe body. The coating may be applied by dipping the lower portion of the fabric overshoe body into a bath of liquid rubber. Separate toe and heel outsole portions may be provided on the rubber coated lower portion of the fabric overshoe body. The lower portion may further comprise a reinforcing heel insert which is adapted to clip on the heel of the wearer's shoe while providing the required form holding properties to maintain an unobstructed heel opening when the lower portion of the overshoe is longitudinally stretched.

Abstract: A foot balance device includes at least one adjustment element arranged at a position between a front sole and a rear heel. The adjustment element forms a support point having a bottom surface that is provided with a coupling section. The coupling section functions to couple to a corresponding position in a shoe or on a shoe pad. As such, the distribution of force between the heel and the sole is changed to realize proper distribution of body weight on the foot and make force uniformly acting along a circumference of the adjustment element to thereby protect the foot from being hurt and improve the sense of comfortableness.

Abstract: An insole with an adjustable arch support structure comprises a middle sole and a support sole. The middle sole includes a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface is formed with an arch portion, the middle sole is provided at the arch portion with a support portion formed in the shape of the arch of a user's foot and a lateral support portion located adjacent to the support portion. The bottom surface of the middle sole is formed with a buffer chamber which is concaved toward the support portion, and the lower edge of the lateral support portion is formed with a lateral support edge which is located around a periphery of the buffer chamber. The support sole is received in the buffer chamber of the middle sole and includes a top surface and a bottom surface.

Abstract: A shoe comprises a molded plastic sole having an upstanding edge defining a perimeter of the sole and extending generally normally to a bottom section and an upper member formed of a sock like woven elastic fabric having a first modulus of elasticity and a foot receiving opening adhered to the inside of the sole and the upstanding edge. The woven upper member has a foot receiving opening bordered by an elastic binding which has a greater modulus of elasticity than that of the sole. A pair of elastic fabric straps having a greater modulus of elasticity than the sole have their opposed ends secured to spaced points on opposite sides of the foot opening so as to extend across the foot opening.

Abstract: A toe traction device for preventing foot slippage within high heeled shoes includes a generally oval shaped main body having a cushion liner disposed between a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of retention straps for securing the device to the foot of a user and a plurality of grippers for interacting with the insole of a shoe.

Abstract: An interchangeable cleat system for an article of footwear includes an outer sole member with a plurality of fixed cleat members and a plurality of removable cleat members. The spacing between the removable cleat members and the fixed cleat members may be approximately constant in at least one portion of the article of footwear. The differences in height between the removable cleat members and the fixed cleat members may be approximately constant within a portion of the outer sole member. The cleat system can include at least three sets of cleat members that can be interchanged over different portions of the outer sole member.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a shoelace protector and methods thereof. In one shoelace protector, as disclosed herein, enclosure can be coupled to the eyelet and the upper section of the shoe. Instead, of using the fastening member to secure those components, eyelets can be incorporated with those features. The eyelets having the additional appendages can be incorporated when the shoe is manufactured or during use. The shoelace can be strung into the eyelet and through the bottom portion of the protector connecting with the eyelet. A top portion of the protector can surround the shoe lace on an exterior portion of the shoe. The shoelace can then be placed through the protector. In another embodiment, the protector does not have to be attached to the eyelet, but can be coupled to the vamp sections of the shoes removing the need for the fastening member.

Abstract: Woven textile structures constructed using dual-loom technology are provided. Filaments are woven in such a way as to create a first set of different discrete layers of the same fabric in some regions of the textile and a second set of discrete layers of the same fabric at other regions of the same textile. The different layers are used to construct various textile structures such as a woven shoe upper and strobel integrally woven from the same filaments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a footwear article with arch support and cushioning. The footwear article maybe in the form of a sandal including but not limited to a thong sandal, such as a flip flop.

Abstract: A cleat for footwear. The cleat includes a base layer that attaches to the outsole of the footwear, a cushioning layer and a traction element layer. The traction element layer is attached to the base layer solely by the cushioning layer. Each of the cleat layers provides friction with the ground when the cleat engages the ground. The durometer of the base layer and the durometer of the traction element layer are greater than the durometer of the cushioning layer. When a user steps on a surface wearing a shoe outfitted with these cleats, the resilience of the cushioning layer at once both lessens the impact of the traction elements on the ground surface and lessens the reaction force on the user's foot transmitted through the shoe's outsole. The user's comfort is thereby enhanced.

Abstract: Generally described, the present disclosure relates to footwear. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a shoelace protector and methods thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, the shoelace protector can include a fastening member, enclosure and upper section. The fastening member can be inserted into to an eyelet of a shoe to properly support the shoelace protector. The shoelace can be strung into the fastening member and through the enclosure. The enclosure can surround the shoe lace on an exterior portion of the shoe. The shoelace can then be placed through the upper section. The upper section can provide a narrow slit such that the shoelace can be fit therethrough. One or more shoelace protectors can be fitted into the eyelets of the shoe. The protectors can be positioned on the lower eyelets such that the bend created by the eyelet on the shoelace can be protected during use.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an article of footwear including: a footwear upper formed of one or more pieces, each piece comprising one or more layers; and a footwear lower attached to the footwear upper to provide a sole supporting member to the article of footwear; wherein the one or more pieces used to form the footwear upper are molded into a three dimensional configuration. Also provided is a method for forming the same and an inner lining for an article of footwear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a waterproof breathable sole, comprising: an outsole provided with ventilation eyeholes in communication with the outer environment; and a waterproof breathable element comprising a waterproof breathable membrane covering the ventilation eyeholes; the waterproof breathable element further comprises a connecting ring; the connecting ring is provided around a periphery of the waterproof breathable membrane and engaged with the waterproof breathable membrane. The outsole may be further provided with an inserting groove; the inserting groove corresponds to a position of the ventilation eyeholes. The waterproof breathable element is received and sealed in the inserting groove; or the top of the outsole is flat, the waterproof breathable element is engaged with and sealed to the outsole via the connecting ring. The waterproof breathable sole further comprises a forced-suction and forced-discharge element correspondingly provided over the waterproof breathable element.

Abstract: An article of footwear that exhibits enhanced whole boot breathability and reduced wet pickup is provided. The footwear article includes an upper having an inferior and superior compartment; a mechanism for joining the superior and inferior compartments together; a protective cover; and an outer sole.

Abstract: A shoe sole having improved cushioning characteristics is disclosed. The sole includes a midsole having a top layer of material and a bottom layer of material. In one embodiment, the top layer of material may be harder than the bottom layer of material. A pattern of lugs defining a wave may be formed on the bottom layer of material. The wave may generally be in the shape of sine wave so as to provide improved cushioning characteristics for the sole. An outsole may also be formed on the bottom layer of material and an upper may be connected to the top layer of material, such that a shoe is formed.

Abstract: A lip to be applied to a bucket of excavating equipment for moving ground materials is disclosed, that includes a lip adapted to be attached to an open end of a container of the excavating equipment having a front end facing in a forward direction of the container, the lip defining a substantially horizontal bottom lip portion and side portions extending upwardly from lateral ends of the bottom lip portion, and a multiplicity of like projections extending forwardly relative to the lip from at least one of the portions of the lip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for a license plate. Specifically, the present invention relates to a device for attaching a license plate to a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a license plate frame for a vehicle which both supports the license plate and has a fin extending therefrom to protect the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of improving roadway safety by increasing societal awareness and providing a recognizable symbol or figure that alerts motorists of upcoming roadway hazards, construction sites and broken down vehicles and triggers a compliant response. The method includes the introduction of a safety alert figure or symbol, which can be utilized in a broad marketing, advertising and educational campaign for the purposes of increasing roadway safety and awareness, particularly for commonly dangerous roadway environments involving motorists and pedestrians or roadway workers. The method also comprises the physical implementation of the figure as a roadway sign, alerting motorists and directing traffic while affiliating the sign with the campaigned figure. The goal is to increase roadway awareness, increase motorist compliance with roadway signs and reduce the instances of injury or fatality as a result of roadway collisions in these environments.

Abstract: An improved sign display device and system for interchangeable signs, banners and flags on a variety of surfaces and objects with increased structural simplicity and minimum parts. The sign display device comprises at least one support or frame member, at least one opening in the banner sleeve to expose said support and at least one mounting member. The exposed support or frame member engages one or more mounting members in such fashion as to allow the banner to be mounted on it easily, as well as allow it to be removable and replaceable.

Abstract: Method and apparatus provide for attaching a planar electroluminescent lamp unit to the side of a billboard, and providing a media adhered to the surface of the lamp unit and to the side of the billboard adjacent the lamp unit, wherein the media has advertising indicia printed thereon. The lamp unit is connected to a source of power on the billboard.

Abstract: The concept of this invention—is creating a new method of social interaction by establishing a symbol/sign/logo, which would encourage people to seek direct human contact, while identifying the individuals who are open to direct communication. The symbol should serve as an informative tool, letting the public know that a person who has the symbol on any of his personal items is approachable, and the message (if any), handwritten next to the symbol—is a real-life talk, a real-life message. Some of these people may need help, while others may want to help or just have a conversation. This new method of social interaction serves as an opposite to the social online networking. The utilization of the Toki-Top (proposed nickname) symbol should not limited by any age group, social, ethnical, religious, or any other affiliation.

Abstract: An ammunition magazine includes a first ammunition supply port (“ASP”), a second ASP, a first ammunition compartment, and a second ammunition compartment. The first ASP, in one embodiment, is able to couple to a coupling surface of the magazine and provide ammunition to a gun when the first ASP is connected to an ammunition loading port (“ALP”) of the gun. The second ASP is also coupled to the coupling surface of the magazine and provides ammunition to the gun when the second ASP is connected to the ALP of the gun. The first ammunition compartment occupies a first portion of ammunition capacity of the magazine and is able to arrange ammunition in a column formation. The second ammunition compartment occupies a second portion of ammunition capacity of the magazine and is able to arrange ammunition in a column formation.

Abstract: A communication connector system for a weapon having an upper receiver at an upper part of the weapon with electronics associated with the upper receiver and a base at a lower part of the weapon with a lower receiver and a hand grip and that houses electronics and with the upper receiver rotatably coupled to the lower receiver and movable between a closed position and an open position includes an upper connector assembly configured to be coupled to the upper receiver. The upper connector assembly has an upper connector being configured to be communicatively connected to the electronics in the upper receiver. The upper connector has a mating interface. A lower connector assembly has a lower connector that is configured to be communicatively connected to the electronics in the base of the weapon. The lower connector is configured to be mounted to the hand grip.

Abstract: A multi-purpose firearm servicing tool has an elongated tool body having a first end portion and a second end portion. A bit engaging socket is provided at the first end portion of the elongated tool body. A plurality of deposit scraping structures are positioned around a longitudinal centerline axis of the tool body at the second end portion thereof. A gas tube clamp is provided at a position between the first and second end portions of the elongated tool body. Opposing tube clamp surfaces of the gas tube clamp are selectively movable between a tube clamping configuration and a tube receiving configuration.

Abstract: A firearm cleaning device with a cartridge-shaped handle and a slotted cleaning connector for securing a disposable cleaning patch, both of which are removably engaged with an extendable ramrod. The cleaning device can be securely stored in the barrel of firearms of different action types and the cartridge-shaped handle fits in the chamber to allow the innocuous release of the hammer when a live cartridge is not present. Thus, the firearm cleaning device is conveniently stored while protecting the firearm and acting as a safety device.

Abstract: A dynamic ballistic effect compensating reticle and an aim compensation method for use in rifle sights or projectile weapon aiming systems includes a multiple point elevation and windage aim point field including a primary aiming mark indicating a primary aiming point adapted to be sighted-in at a first selected range (e.g., 200 yds) and a plurality secondary aiming point arrays beneath the primary aiming mark. The method for compensating for a projectile's ballistic behavior while developing a field expedient firing solution permits the shooter to express the field expedient firing solution in units of distance, (e.g., yards or meters, when describing or estimating range and nominal air density ballistic characteristics), and velocity (e.g., mph or kph, for windage hold points). The reticle aim point field permits the marksman to adjust the firing solution for momentary atmospheric effects and operational contingencies such as variations in ammunition.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an adapter including a first body and a second body. A lower surface profile of the first body and the second body cooperate to form a first geometric mounting profile. An upper surface profile of the first body and the second body cooperate to form a second geometric mounting profile. The first geometric mounting profile is different from the second geometric mounting profile. Each of the first body and the second body forms at least one first aligned bore that receives a first fastener that connects the first body to the second body and a spring that biases the first body and the second body away from one another. An assembly is also disclosed. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fish release device is claimed, comprising a spring-loaded set of opposing members with tip portions capable of retaining the lip of a fish suffering from barotrauma to a depth sufficient to reverse the effects of barotrauma prior to releasing the fish. The opposing members cross over each other such that the jaws can be temporarily opened merely by tugging upward on the line attached to the device. Once the jaws are opened, the fish normally swims away rapidly, before the jaws close again. The device is small, compact, and can be used with a variety of fish species and sizes.

Abstract: Fish traps and methods of using the same are disclosed. A disclosed example fish trap includes a holding chamber having an opening through which a fish may pass, and a bait chamber abutting the holding chamber and separated from the holding chamber by a water permeable barrier.

Abstract: A fishing apparatus includes a submersible central pole having a first end and also a weighted, second end. Floatable hinged ribs radiate from the first end of the central pole. Fabric disposed on the floatable hinged ribs becomes stretched over the floatable hinged ribs as the ribs go from a collapsed disposition adjacent the central pole to an open disposition radiating outwardly from the first end of the central pole.

Abstract: A fishing lure comprising a shaft, means at one end of the shaft for affixing a line thereto, a means located at the other end for attaching a fishing hook, said shaft being tapered to a point at the end which is to be attached to the fishing line, a means for preventing a bait that is skewered onto the shaft from slipping off from the hook end of the shaft.

Abstract: A snagless bladed fishing lure is provided in which the blade oscillates side-to-side during retrieval and pitches forward to protect the hook from snagging upon encountering an obstacle. The blade includes a line keeper and a hook receiver and carries a weight, the hook receiver being located between the line keeper and the weight.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for fishing is provided in the form of a hook is herein disclosed with multiple hook points, an adjustable tension arm, optional snag guard and auxiliary bait retainer.

Abstract: A cage type animal trap having an enclosure with an animal access opening into a vacant interior sized to receive an animal to be trapped. The access opening is closed by a door that is movable from a closed to an opened position by an actuating mechanism releasably held by a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is configured to move between hold and release positions, the hold position moving the door to the opened position and the release position releasing the actuating member to allow the door to close and trap the animal in the animal enclosure.

Abstract: A cage-type animal trap with two opposed animal access openings that can operate in a one-door-opening configuration or a two-door-opening configuration. The trap has a set mechanism for holding one or both doors open to allow access through the corresponding trap access openings. The set mechanism includes a set lever that is movable from a set position to a tripped position and that is coupled to the doors of the trap by an actuating member. Upon actuation, the set lever moves from the set to the tripped position to allow movement of the actuating member which enables one of the doors to move from an opened position to a closed position when the trap is operating in a one-door-opening configuration, and both of the doors to move from the opened position to the closed position when the trap is operating in the two-door-opening configuration.

Abstract: A bed bug detection system is provided which includes a container having a receiving chamber for holding solidified carbon dioxide, an opening in the chamber communicating with and of sufficient size to insert the solidified carbon dioxide into the receiving chamber, a removable cover fitting over the opening, a plurality of channels formed in walls of the container, the channels allowing flow from the chamber of carbon dioxide to exit outside the walls of the container, exit occurring at exit ports; a plurality of tubes formed of a polymeric material, each tube connected to an exit port; and a plurality of bed bug detector stations, each station attached to one of the plurality of tubes, each of the stations formed of a housing with open first and second ends, and a trapping chemical being deposited within each housing.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring and controlling subterranean above-ground foraging pests in a predetermined location provides for the use of a hollow body having an open top and an open bottom. A plurality of supporting legs extends downwardly from a bottom edge of the hollow body. Once embedded into the soil, the legs allow the bottom edge to be at ground level. A substance attractive to the pests as a food source is deposited directly on the ground within the cavity defined by the hollow body. A lid is locked to the open top and the system is monitored for a pre-determined period of time. If consumption of the food material is detected, it is substituted with a bait material containing poisonous substance. The pests consume the bait and carry the poison to the subterranean location.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the breeding of insects is provided. The system may have a larvacide release device. The larvacide release device may have a housing, a reservoir, and an actuator. The reservoir may be configured to contain a larvacide for impairing the ability of mosquitoes to breed. The actuator may be configured to release the larvacide from the reservoir and into a water system.

Abstract: A device suited for the capture of insects and for the retrieval of small objects is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the device is comprised of a strip of foam material formed into an teardrop shape that has a tacky adhesive on an area of the strip's outer side. In use, this tacky adhesive is placed against an insect or object, thereby reversibly affixing the insect or object to the strip. Other embodiments include a handle of fixed, or telescoping length, that can hold the strip of foam material so that more distal insects and objects can be affixed to the material and drawn back to the user.

Abstract: A rack for a compost bed (13) includes a rack bottom (1), a carrier (11) which is supported with respect to the rack bottom for the compost bed and a liquid device (10) provided with a liquid supply (20) and a liquid discharge (21) via which a liquid can be passed in order to heat and/or cool the compost bed on the carrier. The liquid device (10) includes at least one flat plate (14), one side of which faces the carrier (11) and the other side of which is directly connected to a liquid-carrying duct and/or which other side delimits a liquid-carrying duct (17), which liquid-carrying duct is connected to the liquid supply (20) and the liquid discharge (21). By element of such a plate-shaped liquid device, the compost bed can be heated or cooled evenly. In addition, aeration pipes (7) are provided for aerating the compost bed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for inoculating a plurality of plants. In various embodiments, an exemplary method includes spraying a plurality of plants with an inoculum utilizing an automated inoculum spraying subsystem of a mobile inoculation system. The method additionally includes spraying the plurality of plants with a grit medium utilizing an automated grit blasting subsystem of the mobile inoculation system. Spraying the plants with the grit medium inflicts a plurality of wounds to the tissue of the plants on a plurality of surfaces of the plants. The wounds inflicted by the grit medium allow the inoculum to be absorbed into the plants to inoculate the plants.

Abstract: A device that provides a protective barrier along the immediate perimeter of a dwelling impeding the germination of unwanted vegetation, entry points for rodents and water infiltration. The barrier comprises distinct sections having both male and female interlocking mechanisms capable of maintaining a secure bond, thereby increasing the structural integrity of the feature as a whole. Two profiles are created to meet the desired need of a homeowner. The first produces a horizontal walkway while the second forms an L-shaped figure providing an area to showcase landscaping materials such as dirt, mulch, flowers and shrubs. Both forms are fabricated from inexpensive and lightweight materials aiding in ease of installation when compared to current masonry products available that replicate similar features.

Abstract: The arrangement device includes a plurality of apertures in ring configuration. The apertures within each ring are tilted along a circumferential angle with respect to the vertical. The apertures are uniquely defined and designed to receive specified stems of elongated items to be arranged. The apertures align the elongated items according to their tilt angles and are shaped to allow them to fall in a resting position approximating how the final arrangement will appear. The apertures have an inner wall angled allowing the elongated items to meet at a gathering point. They are gathered at a tie point and tied into a bouquet while each stem retains its circumferential tilt. The arrangement device has legs allowing stems to be kept moist while using the arrangement device prior to being placed in their holding vessel. In an alternative embodiment, overlays may be added to identify items used in each aperture.

Abstract: An illumination device with a semiconductor light emission solution has a wavelength up conversion feature and is suited for plant cultivation in a greenhouse environment. The best mode is considered to be a light device with at least one blue LED (101) with wavelength up conversion binary alloy quantum dots (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) made by colloidal methods that are arranged to produce an emission spectrum similar to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) spectrum with the blue LEDs. The methods and arrangements allow more precise spectral tuning of the emission spectrum for lights used in plant cultivation. Therefore unexpected improvements in the photomorphogenetic control of plant growth, and further improvements in plant (310, 311) production are realized. The device is especially advantageous for greenhouses that already have legacy LED systems. These LED systems can often just be upgraded by adding the quantum dot array to arrive at the lighting solution.

Abstract: Bedding material for livestock or Hydromulch for soil treatment is produced by extruding straw mixed with bio-char through a conventional cubing system. The cubing process generates friction in turn changing the properties of the straw making the straw particles highly absorbent while binding the bio-char and any dust into the mixture. The mixture can be used for bedding where the bio-char acts as an absorbent. The mixture can also be used in soil remediation by spreading over the soil in dry or Hydromulch where the bio-char acts to filter contaminants and can act as a binder for an fertilizer admixed into the mixture for seeding.

Abstract: A seed treatment composition includes ascorbic acid, choline chloride, indole-3-butyric acid, and water. In some embodiments, the seed treatment composition may further include salicylic acid.

Abstract: A hanging planter assembly includes a support strap adapted to be secured to a vertically extending member and a container supported on the support strap.

Abstract: An arrangement for growing plants has a first plant growth container and, optionally, one or more additional plant growth containers. Each plant growth container has a watering reservoir and a growth box, positioned above the watering reservoir, the reservoir and growth box separated by a divider. The watering reservoir is adapted to retain a volume of water therein and the growth box is adapted to retain an amount of a plant growth medium. A wicking device communicates the water to the growth medium. There is also a system for setting and maintaining a constant level of water in the watering reservoir. When additional plant growth containers are present, each watering reservoir is connected with the system for maintaining the constant water level. When the growth boxes of the arrangement are identically sized, they can be arranged in abutting relationship to define a cluster of the plant growth containers.

Abstract: The modular aquaponics assembly includes a frame, at least one tray adapted for retaining water and supporting at least one container for retaining a growing medium therein for support plants. A light fixture is disposed within the frame above the at least one tray, and an aquarium for supporting aquatic fauna is positioned near the bottom of the frame. A water circulating system is provided for circulating water from the aquarium through the at least one tray and back to the aquarium. In one embodiment, the frame is adapted to removably sit on top of the aquarium. In another embodiment, an outer skin encloses the frame, aquarium and other components to create an aesthetically pleasing structure that is both decorative and functional.